Torque preloaded elastic cover for torque coupling

Abstract

An elastic cover for couplings or splices comprising a radially stretched and axially twisted elastic cover supported on a core of spirally wound polymeric material which is progressively removed from within the cover member as a continuous narrow strip.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is: 
     
       1. An elastic cover assembly for couplings or splices completed by rotational movement between the members comprising an elastic tubular cover member having an axial twist formed between the ends of the member with said member supported in a radially stretched condition on a hollow core member comprising a tough flexible material formed as a substantially rigid tube which can be collapsed and removed, allowing the cover to relax tightly about a coupling or splice without loss of the twist. 
     
     
       2. An elastic cover assembly according to claim 1 wherein said cover member has an axial twist with the ends offset by 0.05 to 1 turn per diameter of the cover along the length thereof. 
     
     
       3. An elastic cover assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said core member is a spirally wound ribbon to form a cylinder having an inside diameter between 0.46 inches and 5.0 inches. 
     
     
       4. An elastic cover assembly according to claim 1 wherein said core member is formed of a ribbon of cellulose acetate butyrate, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene. 
     
     
       5. An elastic cover assembly according to claim 1 wherein said cover member has at least one end folded inward. 
     
     
       6. An elastic cover according to claim 1 or 5 wherein the entire cover member is supported on said core member.